Dr. Ranjan Shetty, Head of Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru (India), said that after a heart attack, recovery is not only a physical issue but also related to psychology and lifestyle.
It is important that the patient strictly adheres to the most important health protection rules and maintains them for the rest of his life.
Here are some notes as pointed out by Dr. Ranjan Shetty:
Control LDL and cholesterol
First, make sure your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, stays below 55 mg/dL for the rest of your life.
This is to reduce the risk of plaque forming and breaking off from the artery wall, causing blockage.
When LDL levels fall below 70 mg/dL, arterial plaques become smaller and more stable. Other factors such as blood pressure, weight, and diabetes must always be controlled. Anything above that level can be a risk factor.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure and speed up your recovery.
In addition, do cardiac rehabilitation in stages so you can do moderate activity in about six weeks.
Always include a warm-up and cool-down routine with every activity session. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg for the first six weeks. Start with low to moderate physical activity such as walking short distances or climbing stairs two or three times a day.
Endurance and resistance exercises should be done last. If you experience shortness of breath or pain, stop at the slightest sign of discomfort.
Adjust your diet
Switch to a low-carb diet immediately. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. For protein, eat eggs, fish with omega-3 or healthy fats, low-fat dairy, tofu, beans, and nuts.
Avoid sugary soft drinks. Aim for five servings of fruit and vegetables (eat salads and fruit as snacks between meals).
Reduce your salt intake as it will help lower blood pressure and prevent water retention.
Quit smoking and drinking forever
Smoking and drinking increase your risk of heart problems, so stopping smoking is an important step toward recovery.
Mental health care
A heart attack can cause anxiety or fear about future health. Seek help from a mental health professional or take courses to help reduce anxiety.
Take medication as directed by your doctor.
Medications such as anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, blood pressure medications, or cholesterol-lowering medications may be needed to reduce the risk of another heart attack and should not be stopped on your own.
